Deputy, suspect die in Ohio standoff

by Andrew Welsh-Huggins - Jan. 2, 2011 12:00 AMAssociated Press

ENON, Ohio - A sheriff's deputy investigating a report of gunfire at a trailer park was shot dead Saturday, and the shooting suspect was killed after a gun battle with police, authorities said. A police officer was wounded.

Deputy Suzanne Hopper, who was married last year and had two children, was shot as she tried to photograph a footprint in the Enon Beach mobile-home park, Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly said.

"Our deputy never had the opportunity to return fire or take cover," he said at a press conference.

Police officers were trying to retrieve Hopper's body when the shooting suspect fired on them from inside a trailer, and a German Township officer was wounded in a large exchange of gunfire, Kelly said.

Kelly, who has been sheriff for 24 years, said he had hired Hopper and had known her since the police academy.

"This," he said, "is the worst day of my entire law enforcement career."

Hopper, 40, was known for her dedication to the job, Kelly said. The 12-year veteran and former officer of the year was wearing a protective vest Saturday but it didn't shield her from the gunfire that killed her, he said.

"Her personnel file is filled with accolades and commendations and always service before self," he said.